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Overview

Time Flies: A Novel by Claire Cook

From the bestselling author of the beloved book Must Love Dogs, later made into a film starring John Cusack and Diane Lane, comes a new novel about what happens when we think everything is falling apart, and discover that we can pick up the pieces after all.

Years ago, Melanie followed her husband, Kurt, from the New England beach town where their two young sons were thriving to the suburbs of Atlanta. She’s carved out a life as a successful metal sculptor, but when Kurt leaves her for another woman, having the tools to cut up their marriage bed is small consolation.

She’s old enough to know that high school reunions are often a big disappointment, but when her best friend makes her buy a ticket and an old flame gets in touch to see if she’ll be going, she fantasizes that returning to her past might help her find her future…until her highway driving phobia resurfaces and threatens to hold her back from the adventure of a lifetime.

Time Flies is an epic trip filled with fun, heartbreak, and friendship that explores what it takes to conquer your worst fears…so you can start living your future.

Product Details

About the Author

Claire Cookwrote her first novel in her minivan when she was forty-five. At fifty, she walked the red carpet at the Hollywood premiere of the film adaptation of her second novel, Must Love Dogs, starring Diane Lane and John Cusack. She is the bestselling author of nine other novels and divides her time between the suburbs of Atlanta and Boston. Visit her at ClaireCook.com.

Editorial Reviews

“Cook has a light, fun voice and always infuses her stories with great wit and heart.”

Cape Cod Times

"After accompanying Melanie and B.J on their hysterical road trip, readers will feel like they’ve made friends for life."

“A spunky, lighthearted road trip down memory lane. . . . The banter is a lot of fun, and the characters’ realization of what is important is certain to make readers yearn for reconnections of their own. Another delightful beach read from the author of Wallflower in Bloom.”

“A fun and inspiring read . . . Cook’s humor and narrative execution is impeccable; Deirdre’s increasing self-consciousness elicits support for her to overcome insecurity and endure in her journey to find happiness and fulfillment on her own terms.”

“Filled with sweet humor and all the eye-rolling moments of jumbled yet ultimately loving family relations, romance, and coming into one’s own, this women’s fiction is a definite pleaser for devotees of the genre.”

“Cook’s penchant for hitting the emotional sore spot and combining it with humor hits the mark. ... A thoroughly enjoyable and amusing read, this story is sure to delight.”

“Cook has a light, fun voice and always infuses her stories with great wit and heart.”

From the Publisher

The latest novel from Cook (Wallflower in Bloom, 2012, etc.). When Melanie's husband, Kurt, surprises her by packing up their family, including two young sons, to move from Boston to Atlanta, she copes by throwing herself into metal sculpture, an idea inspired by the garage full of welding equipment left by the previous owners of their new home. When Kurt later leaves her for another woman, the artwork saves her sanity and attracts the attention of the charming restaurateur Ted Brody. By this time, the two boys are grown and gone and maintain no contact with their father, but they check in on their mom regularly. In the midst of these events, her best friend from high school, B.J., is nagging her to come North for the upcoming high school reunion. Melanie doesn't want to, until she starts getting emails from a former boyfriend, now divorced, who is hoping to see her there. Melanie flies to Boston, where she sees old friends and her sister for the first time in many years. While there, she shares driving duties with B.J, which requires confronting her crippling fear of highways. When Kurt turns up at the reunion (sans other woman), Melanie considers her options, which now include the possibility of a relationship with Ted, who has a laugh she comes to love. After accompanying Melanie and B.J on their hysterical road trip, readers will feel like they've made friends for life. Women will like this book.

Kirkus Reviews

“Reading Claire Cook might be the most fun you have all summer.”

Elin Hilderbrand

“Full of engaging characters and humorous situations. . .This lighthearted story will have readers plumbing its hidden depths and enjoying the ride.”

Romance Reviews Today

"A summer book list isn't complete without a Claire Cook book on it."

Examiner.com

"[Cook] delivers again. . . . Past and present riotously collide and give birth to an ending as heartfelt as it is hopeful."

Shelf Awareness

"[Cook's] characters are always looking for the next exciting chapter in their lives and her tenth novel, Time Flies, takes her trademark theme in a thought provoking new direction. . . .The resulting story is both touching and hilarious."

Bourne Courier

"Genuine, deftly drawn characters. . . [Cook's] poignancy and sassy humor resonate with readers; her theme of reinvention, uplifts and inspires. . . . It's the perfect companion for an afternoon under a beach umbrella with sand between your toes."

"Laugh-out-loud funny. . .Time Flies is the perfect novel to read on your summer vacation or while lounging by the pool."

The News-Gazette

“A spunky, lighthearted road trip down memory lane...The banter is a lot of fun, and the characters’ realization of what is important is certain to make readers yearn for reconnections of their own. Another delightful beach read from the author of Wallflower in Bloom.”

Booklist

“More than a beach read, Claire Cook’s Time Flies is an absorbing and humorous look at lives lived during a particular era. . . . The author’s facility with setting evocative scenes past and present is refreshing.”

New York Journal of Books

"Claire Cook has an original voice, sparkling style, and a window into family life that will make you laugh and cry."

Adriana Trigiani

"Charming, engagingly quirky, and full of fun, Claire Cook just gets it.”

Meg Cabot

Cook (Must Love Dogs) returns (after Wallflower in Bloom) with a funny, bittersweet new novel. Melanie is a metal artist in Atlanta struggling to get her sculptures acknowledged. One of her pieces has just been accepted into a juried art show and sold to a local chef. Melanie, who has recently separated from her husband, Kurt, is also dealing with her new life as a single, middle-aged woman. A potential beau seems to be in a similar place in life, but she's not sure where she stands with him. Meanwhile, her best friend, BJ, pesters her to return to Massachusetts for their high school reunion. Despite the crippling phobia of highways she has recently developed, Melanie is finally convinced to go when an old high school flame starts sending her flirty emails. Melanie's road trip with BJ to the reunion forces her to acknowledge her fear, come to terms with her past, and find a direction for her future. VERDICT Fans of Elizabeth Buchan and Mary Kay Andrews will enjoy Cook's strong characters and the sense of humor that infuses her latest heartwarming novel.—Kristen Stewart, Pearland Lib., Brazoria Cty. Lib. System, TX

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

I have read every one of Claire Cook's novels, and like clockwork, I look forward to a new one to announce the beginning of summer for me. Sadly, I can never wait for a beach day to make a true beach read - I tear right into them!
Selfishly, as someone who has gone through a divorce, I really related to this story. Melanie is such a great character and from the opening line I was rooting for her to reclaim her life and find her way on her own.
The story is one so many of us at mid-life can relate to. That what next? stage of life. Claire Cook shows us that far from being over, mid-life is just a new opportunity to embrace challenges and drive off to new adventures, with or without a red Mustang and a co-pilot.

ReadingByCandleLight

More than 1 year ago

I cannot tell a lie. I normally don't gravitate toward the women's lit genre, but I found Time Flies by Claire Cook to be surprisingly good. My surprise is in no way meant as a disparaging comment on Claire Cook's skills as an author. In fact it is meant as a compliment. She has created a wonderful book in a genre I usually don't like.
The dialogue between Melanie and her best friend, B.J., is witty and real and just the type of banter you'd expect from two women who have been friends since high school. This dynamic makes me long for my own friends in high school with whom I&rsquo;ve lost contact. But life goes on, as they say, and that is also one of the themes of this book. Whether we like it or not, life goes on. Sometimes it takes us to wonderful places and sometimes we wonder how we ever ended up where we are today.
Melanie comes face to face with where her life has led her, and she must deal with and own up to her part. In many ways this book is the story of a woman finally having her coming of age as an unexpectedly single empty-nester. Ms. Cook does a wonderful showing how Melanie faces (or not) the changes in her life and the confusion with how she's supposed to deal with things. There's no right or wrong answer, but rather finding value in oneself and deciding what is best.
As these two women prepare to attend their long-awaited high school reunion, both realize that their lives are good and they've been lucky so far. And while most of the trip does not measure up to the lofty pedestal Melanie has placed it upon, she comes to realize that the quick fix and rose-colored glasses aren't the best answer to her challenges in life. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story about navigating the twists and turns of life.

Beth_Hoffman

More than 1 year ago

Several months ago I read an advanced copy of Claire Cook's TIME FLIES, and from page one I was cheering for the main character, Melanie. Melanie is lovable, and real, and silly ... someone I would like to be friends with. She tells her story with heart and humor, and she exposes her vulnerability during a time when her life has been turned upside down. TIME FLIES is a rollicking fun yet poignant novel that's sure to hit home with anyone who has ever experienced heartbreak, fought against a phobia, entertained a fantasy, or dared to say yes to an unknown future peeking above the horizon of midlife. Claire Cook has crafted another winner that's guaranteed to be a favorite of book clubs and shared among girlfriends. Run out and buy this one, and pick up several copies as gifts!

jbarr5

More than 1 year ago

Time Flies by Claire Cook
Class reunions only allow those who have succeeded at their goals, show off.
Melanie had no plans to go. She had been married for decades and she was divorcing him, Kurt. She is a metal sculptor where she would use
any metal she could recycle and create a piece. Loved hearing the welding terms as that is one job my husband was trained to do.
Love hearing of all the decorating ideas Barbara (bj) has plans for the reunion tables.
Listening to the transformation of the box springs is genius, love hearing how they progress..and go for a ride of their life!
I am finding this book hilarious at times as it reminds me of my reunion/school days and the same songs, style of clothes, etc.
Love hearing about all the seashore things, sea glass, as I'm from the same area and she realizes the time has flown by as she sees the drastic changes, even the beach has suffered.
So many songs and lyrics from my neck of the woods also that I totally remember.
Reunion does not go as planned...love this book a lot for the work she does with her hands and her designs.
I received this book from Edelweiss by Simon &amp; Schuster in exchange for an honest review.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

(Lets say in two days) dunno probably in a few days

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

My first book by ms Cook and I enjoyed it very much. These characters are my age and I could relate to most of the story including the husband leaving for another woman during the empty nest period. Glad there was a satisfying ending. I will definitely read more books by this author.

MisfitGeek

More than 1 year ago

I cannot remember the last time I had so much fun reading a book. This book totally entertained me from start to finish. What&rsquo;s not to love about a road trip in a classic car with classic rock blasting away? I didn&rsquo;t want it to end.
I have to say I loved the quirky characters in the book. They made me laugh out loud. The book is written in first person in Melanie&rsquo;s POV. I really liked her understated spunkiness. From the time she cut up her marriage bed, I was a fan. Her best friend, BJ, is her champion. BJ is outspoken and in-your-face. They make a great pair.
I really recommend this lighthearted, fun book. I kept thinking it would make a fun movie. Although I did see Must Love Dogs, this is my first Claire Cook read. I really like her writing and plan to read more of her books.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

What a great book! Claire, I think you are secretly following my life. For the most point, hit it straight on. What I love most about &quot;Cook's Books&quot; are how in every single one I can relate to each main character. I know that they are a little older than me, but in more ways than one they all somehow manage to mirror my life and give me an opportunity to laugh not only with the book, but also at myself. Reminds me that life is too short to take things so seriously. I look forward every year to the new &quot;Cook Book&quot;. I am also so proud to have made it an annual tradition in the Shady Ladies gal pal group. Thanks Claire for the reminder that you need to be able to lighten up once in awhile!

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Very funny and quirky. Good beach read

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Fun read!

quaintinns

More than 1 year ago

I loved this book (as I am so in the age bracket)! It has everything from BFFs, Thelma and Louise, music, humor, road trip, high school reunions, and phobias. I so related to this story, as also developed a highway phobia for about 3 yrs. ---and I also lived in Atlanta (inside the perimeter off Paces Ferry Road in Vinings). I literally had to Mapquest routes everywhere to refrain from getting on I-285 when going on business calls (do you know how difficult this is in Atlanta)? I would literally freeze on I-285, the same as Melanie in the book! It is a horrible feeling.
Turns out doctor told me I had issues with my peripheral vision (a part of vision that occurs outside the very center of gaze). He stated if I am on a bridge with numerous roads, levels, cars, curves, etc&hellip;my eyes want to stay focused on all these elements and cannot focus on what is in front of me, thereby causing my dizziness -- causing a phobia of being dizzy and feel yourself leaning to the right. (Maybe this was Melanie&rsquo;s issue :)
Thanks again, Claire for this incredible book, as could so relate and feel as though I found my BFF! It will definitely make you laugh and want to be right there with the gals with the top down (I had a red Miata convertible then traded it for an SUV). BTW (the truck driver in the story was a riot)! Look forward to reading more --a must read!

jennymartin116

More than 1 year ago

This is the first book by Clair Cook I have read and I really enjoyed it. The story is fun and the characters are so relateable! It opened up my eyes to what my mom went thru as an empty nester--and what I will go thru when my kids are grown! This was a great book and I will definitely be reading more of Claire Cook's books!

sbart84

More than 1 year ago

This book will make you laugh and cry. This is the journey of Melanie and BJ to their class reunion. The question is: Do people ever change? Loved this book. could not put it down.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

This was my favorite Claire Cook book and I have loved them all!

Jennd1

More than 1 year ago

This book is awesome it is like a trip down memory lane with someone who was there with you the first time and remembers it jsut as well and sometimes better than you did. Made me remember my best friends over the years and realize that some days we still feel like the girl with her life ahead of her, some days we wonder how we go where we are and some days we wonder where we will end up, but for as different as we are , we all have lots in common too.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

I'm still reading this book and trying hard not to give up on it but I have to tell you, the main characters are two of the whiniest, most annoying, phobia filled women I have ever encountered in a supposed fun, summer beach read!!! My girlhood friends and I just spent a weekend together at the beach last month and if any of them had acted like either of these crazy whacked out women, I would have packed my bags and headed home. I hate to give up on a book, especially one I have spent my hard earned money on, but this one is going to be tough to finish!

ethel55

More than 1 year ago

Another fun, fast read by Cook heralds the summer season. When Mel's best friend from high school, BJ, keeps emailing her about their upcoming high school reunion, she finally wears her down. Mel, a metal sculptor, can set her own hours and needs a break from Atlanta, where her ex, Kurt, is setting up housekeeping with his new girlfriend, Crissy. She heads home to Massachusetts, where old friends and possibilities await. There's lot of fun retro tie-ins as BJ and Melanie embark on their buddy style trip to the reunion.

SharonChance

More than 1 year ago

If you are looking for the perfect summer beach read, look no further! Claire Cook's latest novel, &quot;Time Flies,&quot; is just exactly what needs to be in your beach bag this season. It's funny, it's charming, and it's downright loveable!
This story of two best friends and their big adventures during a week leading up to their high school reunion is a sweet look at the power of friendship. I adored the characters of Melanie and B.J., BFFs who have stuck by each other through high school, bad marriages, and might-have-been dreams. These are gals who you would want in your posse anytime, anywhere! This book is the one you want to have in your beach bag this summer! Plus it would make a great gift for girlfriends!